Los Angeles daily herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1884-1890, 1887-12-25

strange. But Il always told you
Tomaso was a strange boy. Why, j
would not be surprised at ANYTHING
which might turn up about him"
Chico said much about his cousins
absence; Tor ne missed him greatly
The younger Carmen said but little
yet she evidently missed him more.
AT last, when the second summer
alter Tomaso's departure had come
and the long vacation was at hand
great clamor was made that Tomasc
should spend these weeks at home
But his mother most firmly opposed
such arrangement. She said be
would leave school at Christmas, and
then either take trip to Spain to see
the parent stem of the family in that
old land, or return to the ranch for
good.
When Carmen heard of the first
alternative the color forsook her
check, and did not soon return.
Chico, on the contrary, took ND the
fight in red-hot earnest, and stoutly
maintained that if Tomaso was not to
come home in June, then he would
go to San Jose and take the boy up in
the mountains to hunt and fish all
vacation. The Sefiora made strenu-
GUS opposition to this but failing to
turn Chico from his purpose-and she
had to make the battle all alone, for
all the rest of the family sided with
the young man. Even old Dolores
forsook her ally in this battle - SO
Carmen consented. Before Chico
went, however, the two mothers had
many consultations of very mys-
FERROUS nature. Just prior to the day
on which Chico set Off, he and his
mother spent more than hour closeted
together. Then Carmen de Bailey
had been sent for, and few words
had passed between the three.
After Chico's departure Carmen
became daily more and more de-
pressed. Her mother did all in her
power to cheer her. She tried to force
her to some reaction by making as
bad q case as possible. AT length the
announcement was made that Tomaso
would not return ut all to the ranch,
that he had formed an attachment
for young lady in San Jose, that
they would be married about Christ.
mas and proceed at once to Spain,
where they would remain for some
years. Instead OF having the de-
sired effect this brought q crisis in
Sehorita Garments case. She de-
liberately went to her bed, got
sick and was in serious danger.
Then the programme was changed
for her. Tomaso would spend Christ
mas at the ranch before Ire made any
other disposition OF himself or, his
fortunes. But this did not much i'm
prove the poor girls spirits.
Chico staid up country for about
two months, and then returned. He
brought u world of affectionate mes
sages from Tomaso to his sis
ter. Still she dropped. Time
wore on, and Christmas was
at hand. Tomaso had written
many times to the young Carmen. By
careful steps these letters. developed
more and more warmth of affection,
and as each one came they really
warmed the sick girl back to little
strength. Then as she grew able to
walk out, and even drive about, some
two weeks before Christmas came one
in which Tomaso said he dearly loved
Carmen, that If She Would con-
sent, they would be married ut
but there were many EN-
phatic and positive warnings that when
fomaso returned he would be found
20 changed that Carmen would not
nave him. Chico backed these state
nents in the most positive manner,
md tried by every method to impress
MS sister with the necessity Of being
to see such q. change
n herr cousin that assuredlv
she would not marry him. Car
men was sorely distressed and
anxious; but could get no light as TO
what had happened to Tomaso. She
vas told it was this which had kept
Ter cousin from coming home for Il
ull yearand half.
The time of suspense, short as it
vas, seemed an age to Carmen. To
he others it passed all too rapidly.
Christmas Eve came. In the morn
ng Chico and Tomaso's mother went
% Los Angeles TO meet the heir on
lis return. Tomaso was also to bring
With him from San Jose young lady,
whom Chico had fallen desperately
n love with during the Summer, and
hey were to be married at once.
The long, bright December day
passed. The sun was nearly set when
he team drove up to the door. There
we're four persons in the vehicle.
Chico drove. By his side sat young
nan. Behind them sat Seilora Car
men de Bailey and young lady
who regarded everything with a
strange mixture OF interest and
The young man
ny Chico's side was stranger. Chi
20 said to the assembled families who
came to greet the arrivals--HThisi is
romasol" But he certainly was very
much changed. No one could have
him. Carmen, the young
Or, regarded him with great Interest,
and with nuch perturbation. He was
ike Tomaso, yet so very naach UNI
ike himl
The young lady, who, seemed
80 shy OF every one except
ng Chico, was duly present
ID. She and Chico were on the
very best OF terms. She was much
1t home with Se6ora Carmen de
Bailey too, and she soon got to be we'll
pleased with the old, nurse, Dolores.
The countryside assembled to
Chico's wedding. The Padre came
in due time. The ceremony was
done. The dinner was announced.
The dance proceeded. Seflorita Car
men James, made warm friend of
her new sistsr-in-law. She said to
her mother, "She is more like To-
maso than is Tomaso, himself"
"That is not so strong" said ths
'Chico's bride is a cousin
Of ours. too, YOU know. She was
found in that branch OF the family
dwelling in San Jose, and her father,